Family-friendly safari company adds exciting new trips

August 21, 2023 No Comments

Extraordinary Journeys, a tour operator and safari specialist, has unveiled a diverse array of new family-forward safari experiences tailored for all age groups across its African destinations.

While Extraordinary Journeys recommends South Africa, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Zambia, and Botswana as wonderful family safari destinations, as of recently, Kenya and Tanzania have become more accessible to families thanks to new and improved accommodations and experiences by top safari camps and lodges that are tailored to little ones.

Extraordinary Journeys has the insider intelligence and expertise to know precisely which camps are best for the type of family adventure travellers want to experience.

Explore Tanzania & Kenya

In Tanzania and Kenya specifically, Extraordinary Journeys’ family itineraries feature new safari sites that have moved on from the old standard of tents with extra beds and now give families exclusive use of their own “camp within the camp.”

The private sites sport amenities such as private guides, dining spaces, fire pits, and a private or additional shared pool, giving families a larger area to spread out, breathe, and connect. Whether roasting marshmallows and stargazing with the kids or enjoying a drink on the deck while the kids are safely asleep nearby, these new luxury suites offer families increased options and ease.

In addition to game drives, family safaris offer many other experiences for children to enjoy including bush walks to look for tracks, horseback or camel riding, local village visits, cooking with the camp’s Chef, hanging out near a waterhole (where the wildlife comes to you!), helicopter safaris, young explorers programs, and more.

For more information and to book your own safari, visit extraordinaryjourneys.com.

All-inclusive resort in Mexico adds aqua jungle experience

August 18, 2023 No Comments

Delta Hotels by Marriott Riviera Nayarit recently unveiled the Aqua Jungle & River experience as well as an additional rooms and suites tower.

The hotel is one of the 31 properties in the All-Inclusive by Marriott Bonvoy hotel portfolio in the Caribbean and Latin America. 

Located in the hotel’s own forest canyon, the Aqua Jungle & River experience offers members an all-encompassing immersion in the surrounding jungle landscape with adult and family offerings. With five jacuzzis, a total of seven pools, an elongated lazy river and two kid’s areas with waterslides and splash amenities, visitors of all ages will have plenty of options to enjoy this water experience in addition to convenient food and beverage spots.

Inspired by the Tolantongo caves in the state of Hidalgo, where thermal waters cascade to natural pools, the Aqua Jungle & River experience brings that model to the hotel’s epicentre, allowing guests to relax and rejoice in a paradisiac adventure for themselves. 

More than 200 rooms

With the Delta Riviera Nayarit’s expansion, the resort’s footprint increased from 117 to 212 unparalleled rooms and suites featuring mountain views with King or Queen modalities for adaptable comfort and with a design that resembles the Mexican artistry and natural elements of the locale. 

The hotel has three sit-down restaurants on-site featuring Mexican, Asian, and local cuisines, three main pools to offer a total of seven pools, a dedicated beach club just 15 minutes away from the resort, the renowned Tzicuri Spa, among other offerings.

Infused with the local Huichol culture, visitors will find inspiration in the design, architecture, spa treatments, and food and beverage options on the hotel premises for relaxation and a unique wellness retreat. 

Some of the best experiences to have in Slovenia this summer

August 16, 2023 No Comments

If you are thinking about an exciting new travel destination,  Slovenia stands ready.

The summer season is ideal for exploring cultural treasures, embarking Slovenian Coast, indulging in wellness retreats, or savoring exquisite culinary delights. Slovenia’s diverse attractions and warm hospitality will leave lasting memories and a desire to return. 

Do not miss Slovenia’s picturesque coastline, adorned with sun-soaked coastal towns also known for producing wine, olive oil, and salt, or wander amongst the orchards, vineyards, and romantic villages in Brda. Ensure you include a visit to the renowned Lipica Stud Farm, the historic birthplace of the world-famous Lipizzaner horses, listed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the World’s Intangible Heritage.

Explore the cave systems

The captivating Karst region is another must-see. With around 13,000 caves, including the breathtaking Postojna Cave, Europe’s largest cave system, and the UNESCO-listed Škocjan Caves, Slovenia is a paradise for cave enthusiasts.

Captivating cities and nature

Charming cities await as well: the capital Ljubljana invites you to wander its scenic streets, while Maribor, the second-largest city, boasts the world’s oldest vine, symbolizing the city’s rich viticultural heritage.

If your heart beats for more into nature, the Pohorje Hills will captivate you with extensive forests, peat bogs, and lakes.

For wine & wellness

For those seeking spa experiences, numerous natural spa resorts like Rogaška Slatina, known for its revered mineral-rich springs, Dobrna Spa with its blend of modern treatments and historic charm, and Terme Olimia Spa with luxurious pools, offer holistic wellness rejuvenating escape.

In the eastern part of Slovenia, the Pomurje region  offers a serene haven with rolling hills, vineyards, and quaint villages. Visit Expano, an interactive pavilion, to explore the region’s wonders through cutting-edge technology, interactive exhibits, and captivating events.

Further south, you can visit Dolenjska and enjoy idyllic moments among vineyards or make unforgettable romantic memories at the charming Otočec Castle.

For outdoor enthusiasts

Lastly, do not overlook Slovenia’s breathtaking outdoors. Dive into the Soča Valley for exhilarating adventures and soak in the natural beauty of Slovenia’s haven for nature lovers.

For inspiration, latest summer stories, and events, visit www.slovenia.info.  

This Canadian airline is now offering direct flights to Lima, Peru

August 14, 2023 No Comments

Air Transat will offer exclusive direct flights to Lima, Peru, from both Montreal and Toronto this winter.

This program expansion will create a new gateway to South America for fans of gastronomy, history and breathtaking natural sites, in addition to the flights already offered to Colombia.

Recently, the company also announced that it will be relaunching its route between Montreal and the tropical island of Cozumel, Mexico.

Toronto departures

Toronto–Lima flights will be operated twice weekly, on Wednesdays and Saturdays, from December 20 to April 24; in addition, Montreal–Lima flights will be operated once weekly, on Fridays, from December 22 to April 26.

Montreal–Cozumel flights will be operated once weekly, on Fridays, from December 15 to April 26. It should also be noted that Transat offers all-inclusive packages to Cozumel at select hotel partners.

These flights will be operated with new generation Airbus A321LR aircraft featuring spacious cabins, state-of-the-art in-seat entertainment systems and the lowest fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions (CO2 and NOx) in their class.

Celebrity Cruises adds more itineraries departing Florida

August 11, 2023 No Comments

Celebrity Cruises has unveiled all-new Caribbean offerings for the Winter 2024-2025 season on board four stellar ships – Celebrity Apex, Celebrity Constellation, Celebrity Equinox, and Celebrity Summit. 

 

Embarking from three Florida ports: Central Florida’s Port Canaveral, West Florida’s Port Tampa Bay, and South Florida’s Port Everglades, travellers will enjoy more than 40 new itineraries, all open for booking on August 22, 2023. 

Catering to the diverse needs of today’s consumer, the new program offers a wide range of experiences, from rejuvenating quick getaways to weekly 7-night cruises, and up to 9-night escapes. Transporting guests to tropical hotspots from Belize and Bimini to Grand Cayman and San Juan, a select number of itineraries also offer the opportunity to visit Perfect Day at CocoCay. 

Celebrity Comes to Port Canaveral

 

For the first time ever, Celebrity Cruises will sail out of Orlando’s Port Canaveral with 20 new itineraries, from November 21, 2024, to April 19, 2025, on board the intimate Celebrity Equinox. With most itineraries spanning 7-nights, travellers will have the opportunity to visit highly sought-after Caribbean destinations like the Bahamas, Belize, Grand Cayman, Mexico, San Juan, and St. Maarten. 

 

Just in time for the Spring Break season, two sailings on March 1 and March 15, 2025, will visit Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Independent hotel brand adds more stunning properties to global portfolio

August 9, 2023 No Comments

Preferred Hotels and Resorts has added 14 new member properties — including five openings — to its portfolio between April 1 and June 30.

The largest independent hotel brand representing more than 650 hotels, resorts, and residences across 80 countries has added properties like Pulso Hotel, a new design-centric boutique in central São Paulo, and Hotel Saint, an urban retreat in London’s financial district.

Here’s a look at some of the new additions:

The Hotel Maria (Helsinki, Finland) – Legend Collection: This ultra-luxurious property will redefine modern Nordic hospitality in Helsinki when it launches in December. Made up of four buildings built between 1885 and 1930, The Hotel Maria will feature 117 best-in-class guestrooms and 38 suites – twice as big as the average in Finland – and The Maria Wellness Club with a separate spa and deluxe fitness centre. 

Pulso Hotel (São Paulo, Brazil) – L.V.X. Collection: Set to debut next month in São Paulo’s financial district, the ultra-modern Pulso Hotel will offer 57 stylish guestrooms and suites offering stunning city views and a range of elevated amenities, including a Parisian-Brazilian fusion restaurant, L’Occitane au Brésil SPA, heated pool, gym and wellness centre.

Hotel Saint (London, U.K.) – Lifestyle Collection: Set within London’s financial district, and in the original square mile of the city founded nearly 2,000 years ago, Hotel Saint is conveniently located just steps from the Tower of London, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and other iconic city landmarks. The hotel is comprised of 267 contemporary guestrooms and suites, many with skyline views. Guests benefit from an array of on-site amenities including a rooftop bar on the 14th floor offering craft cocktails and picture-perfect skyline views; a gym outfitted with best-in-class cardio and resistance equipment; and VQ restaurant serving traditional British dishes.

Wynn Palace Cotai (Macau, China) – Legend Collection: Located in Cotai, the 28-story luxury hotel presents the architectural grandeur of a palace, with 1,706 exquisitely furnished rooms, suites, and villas. The property is home to five award-winning signature restaurants, nine casual restaurants and a bar. Additional highlights include a unique SkyCab above the Performance Lake; meeting and convention venues; the tranquil Spa at Wynn Palace; and Wynn Esplanade, showcasing the world’s leading luxury retail brands.

EPIC SANA Marquês Hotel (Lisbon, Portugal) – L.V.X. Collection: Perched in the picturesque hills of Lisbon and centrally located next to Marquês de Pombal Square, EPIC SANA Marquês offers 341 rooms, 37 suites, one presidential suite, and stunning views over the city’s historic architecture. The trendy boutique hotel features multiple dining options and amenities, including three restaurants, two bars, and bakery, a 7,534 square-foot AYANNA Wellness & Spa, and Sky Pool Lounge.

Other member properties  include:

This cruise line has added a 42-day sailing through the Mediterranean

August 7, 2023 No Comments

Holland America Line is adding another Legendary Voyage to its diverse roster of lengthier cruises from convenient gateways.

The 42-day Ultimate Mediterranean & Atlantic Passage aboard Volendam departing Nov. 9, 2024, was inspired by a voyage the cruise line operated nearly 100 years ago.

The 2024 departure sails roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, allowing guests to experience 16 different ports across nine countries, all without international air.

100 years of inspiration

The original voyage that provided the vision for the “42-day Ultimate Mediterranean & Atlantic Passage” departed New York City Feb. 4, 1925, aboard Rotterdam IV and carried just 550 guests across the Atlantic Ocean to explore many of the same ports.

The 2024 cruise follows in the footsteps of the 1925 journey, visiting Portugal, Morocco, Italy, Greece, Israel, Egypt, Tunisia, Gibraltar (United Kingdom) and Spain.

About the voyage

The “42-day Ultimate Mediterranean & Atlantic Passage” route first visits Horta and Ponta Delgada in the Azores after crossing the Atlantic Ocean.

A call at Tangier, Morocco, is followed by overnight visits to both Livorno and Civitavecchia, Italy. From Livorno, guests can explore Florence or Pisa, while Rome is easily accessed from Civitavecchia. Volendam then makes way to Naples, Italy, and Catania, Sicily, before Piraeus (Athens), Greece.

Guests will then explore the Holy Land at Haifa (Tel Aviv) and Ashdod (Jerusalem), Israel, followed by Port Said and Alexandria (Cairo), in Egypt. The final ports on the voyage include La Goulette (Tunis), Tunisia; Gibraltar; Cadiz (Seville), Spain: and Casablanca, Morocco. The cruise concludes Dec. 21 at Fort Lauderdale.

What is a ‘Legendary Voyage’?

These lengthier cruises, which range from 25 to 59 days, combine the ceremony of Holland America Line’s Grand Voyages while focusing on a singular region. They visit some of the most unique ports while offering guests an in-depth exploration. Shipboard programming is specially curated to share insights into the history and culture of the destinations visited.

Most of Holland America Line’s Legendary Voyages sail roundtrip or to/from a North American homeport, allowing travelers to see the world from their doorstep with a convenient domestic flight and easy embarkation.

The itineraries are offered on a variety of the line’s perfectly sized ships where guests enjoy the “best of” Grand Voyages on-board programming such as iconic theme parties, memorable sailaways and classic cruise activities to further enhance the experience.

These are the most powerful passports in the world

August 4, 2023 No Comments

Japan has been knocked off the top spot on the Henley Passport Index for the first time in five years and bumped into third place, according to the latest ranking, which is based on exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

Singapore is now officially the most powerful passport in the world, with its citizens able to visit 192 travel destinations out of 227 around the world visa-free.

Germany, Italy, and Spain all move up into second place with visa-free access to 190 destinations, and Japanese passport holders join six other nations – Austria, Finland, France, Luxembourg, South Korea, and Sweden – in third place with access to 189 destinations without a prior visa.

Trading places

The UK appears to have finally turned the corner after a six-year decline, jumping up two places on the latest ranking to fourth place – a position it last held in 2017. The U.S., on the other hand, continues its now decade-long slide down the index, plummeting a further two places to eighth spot with access to just 184 destinations visa-free.

Both the U.K. and the U.S. jointly held first place on the index nearly 10 years ago in 2014 but have been on a downward trajectory ever since.

Afghanistan remains entrenched at the bottom of the index, with a visa-free score of just 27.

New research

Henley & Partners has conducted exclusive new research into the relationship between a country’s openness to foreigners – how many nations it allows to cross its borders visa-free – and its own citizens’ travel freedom.

The new Henley Openness Index ranks all 199 countries worldwide according to the number of nationalities they permit entry to without a prior visa.

The Top 20 ‘most open’ countries are all small island nations or African states, except for Cambodia. There are 12 countries that are completely open to all passports and four that don’t allow anyone in visa-free.

While the correlation between a high openness score and a high visa-free access score is not linear or straightforward, it is notable that Singapore and South Korea – highest climbers in the Top 10 over the past decade – boast relatively high degrees of openness compared to the 5 countries with the biggest disparity between the travel freedom they enjoy versus the visa-free access they provide to other nationalities.

U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Japan have all either slid down the ranking or remained in the same place as their openness stagnates.

Read the full press release.

Holland America Line hits all the high notes, even after 150 years at sea

August 2, 2023 No Comments

The stage lights dim as musicians Patrick Sharrow and Jax Hollow belt out the last line to Semisonic’s 1998 hit song, Closing Time.

With the lyrics “One last call for alcohol, so finish your whiskey or beer; Closing time, you don’t have to go home, but you can’t stay here,” the popular sing-along tune has become the unofficial anthem for the last song of the night at bars across North America. 

But not here, not tonight.

“One more song! One more song!” I shout, joining in unison with the other live music fans in the crowd. Moments later, like a typical encore, the lights turn on again and the band starts to play the opening riff to Start Me Up by The Rolling Stones. Only I’m not in a typical music venue — I’m aboard Holland America Line’s Rotterdam in the Rolling Stone Rock Room, where a nightly band plays rock n’ roll hits from Rolling Stone magazine’s top song lists.

As part of the ship’s Music Walk, also available on other ships like Nieuw Statendam and Koningsdam, when one set ends, another starts across the way at Billboard Onboard, where two singers are seated at duelling pianos to play chart-topping pop songs. Some guests shuffle between stages to remain close to the action at all times, while others hold firm in their favourite venue, listening to the music in between sets from afar while the attentive waitstaff comes to serve drinks and cocktails. 

When they’re not playing as part of the cover band, Sharrow and Hollow are recording artists embarking on tours across North America. That’s an example of the calibre of talent that can be found on these stages. 

Not into pop and rock? Other live music venues include Lincoln Center Stage, a great fit for those who like classical music, and the B.B. King’s Blues Club, which like the name indicates, is a hotspot for amazing blues songs that get the crowd moving.

Celebrating 150 years

On April 18, 2023, Holland America Line celebrated its 150th anniversary while the flagship Rotterdam was docked in its namesake city in The Netherlands, following a trans-atlantic sailing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The commemorative event was held in the former headquarters for the cruise line, today the Hotel New York, and brought together VIPs like descendants of the original founders of the business and Princess Margriet of the Netherlands.

Making it one of the oldest cruise lines in the world, Holland America Line has a very interesting history, starting out as a shipping and passenger line, slowly gaining a reputation for safely bringing emigrants from Europe to North America. 

Nearly one million people made the journey to new beginnings and adventures on a Holland America ship — including Albert Einstein, Alfred Hitchcock, Ernest Hemingway and Roald Dahl — to name but a few.

During the First World War, several HAL ships were called upon to carry and transport soldiers. In the Second World War, ships like Nieuw Amsterdam were even converted into troopships, eventually resuming regular operations after being refitted back to passenger ships post war.

No stranger to innovation, at the height of the prohibition the cruise line offered what could be dubbed the original booze cruise — taking passengers into international waters from New York City to serve alcohol. Today, the cocktail menu at Half Moon Bar features a drink called the Three Mile Run, in honour of those prohibition days.

Clockwise, from L to R: SS Rotterdam passengers circa 1929; cover art for first-class guest handbook; SS Nieuw Amsterdam; SS Waterman departs Wileminakada in Rotterdam, circa 1950s

Holland America Line’s evolution into a cruise holiday provider plays out during an evening staged presentation called Origin Story, which is put on on ships across its fleet. To mark the milestone 150th anniversary, a limited-edition 150th HAL Pils is now available on board in a commemorative can. An exclusive Holland America Line “De Lijn” gin was also created and is used in three new anniversary cocktails: Dutch 150, 150th Martini and 150th Gin and Tonic.

Over the course of this year, 48 special Heritage Cruises are also underway, which focus on ports that played a significant role in the brand’s history. Fun elements on these sailings include a famed orange party where all guests dress in orange to celebrate the company’s Dutch heritage, and a Throwback Happy Hour featuring select drinks priced as low as 75 cents.

A taste of Oslo, Copenhagen and the world 

During my Heritage Cruise from Rotterdam to Amsterdam, the Netherlands, the ports of call visited were Oslo, Norway and Copenhagen, Denmark. There was ample free time in each city to get out and explore. 

Upon arrival in Oslo, I decided to get a picturesque view of the city from above on a bus tour before visiting Vigeland Park, the world’s largest sculpture park by the same artist. Gustav Vigelands’ 200 statues tell the story of the cycle of life, representing different stages of life and how life goes on after death. Highlights include The Monolith, a 46-foot tall piece carved out of granite featuring 121 intertwined human figures, and Sinnataggen, (the angry boy) a statue of an angry boy clenching his fists. The park is free to enter and is visited by more than a million visitors a year.

In Copenhagen I opted for a bicycle excursion, which covered a lot of ground in a short period of time. Highlights included stops at Nyhavn, the picturesque canal street on most postcards of Copenhagen, and seeing cherry blossoms in full bloom by the famous The Little Mermaid statue. As a mainly flat city, it was also easy to explore without having to cycle up any major hills. Watching the ship as it arrives and leaves port is also memorable on this route, passing through fjords and lovely cityscapes. 

From Alaska to the Caribbean to Australia and its roots in Europe, Holland America Line has a wide array of itineraries around the world.

Two notable trips planned for 2025 include a new 133-day The Grand Voyage: Pole-to-Pole sailing that travels south-to-north including Antarctica and the Arctic Circle across five continents, along with a simultaneous 124-day 2025 Grand World Voyage covering six continents on an east-to-west route. Both ships are slated to meet in Barcelona, Spain, for a joint overnight call, bringing the two Grand Voyages together for a celebration on April 24, 2025.

One of Saint Lucia’s hottest resorts shows off multi-million dollar upgrade

July 31, 2023 No Comments

The Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort, a luxurious five-star resort nestled in the hillside on the Caribbean Island of Saint Lucia, debuts a fresh new look following a 12-million-dollar renovation.

Nestled in the glamorous hills of the island’s Labrelotte Bay, the resort’s renovations feature new additions, including the revitalization of enhanced luxury estate villas, new Ocean Point Residences, a refreshed lobby, an innovative culinary program, and updated accommodations.

Influenced by its Caribbean meets Mediterranean island setting, the resort’s new design blends nautical and coastal elements, utilizing soft neutrals and pops of Saint Lucia’s renowned blue hue. Custom-made wood furnishings, including mindi and teak, are used throughout spaces to provide contrast, and natural rope and rattan furnishings transform outdoor space into a chic oasis.

The resort’s 12-million-dollar refresh pays homage to its origins, bringing a focus back to the serenity of the beach escape and celebrating over 30 years of service since its opening in 1989.

The Lobby’s grand infrastructure featuring high vaulted ceiling beams and an open-air concept has been re-envisioned as a space where guests can mingle and meet. Outfitted with elegant chandeliers, contemporary furniture, marble floors, a new reception area, an ambassador’s lounge, and a coffee bar by day/wine bar by night concept, the refreshed look will enhance the guest check-in experience and bring to life the heart of the resort.

Revitalized rooms

Dubbed the Manor Collection, the resort’s newly revitalized luxury estate villas feature sweeping views of the Caribbean Sea perched at the top of the hillside, complete with in-ground pools.

Among the collection is ‘The Presidential Manor’ slated to be unveiled later this year; the largest villa on-site, at over 4000 sq ft, will feature a 45’x20′ swimming pool, driveway, and adjunct living space perfect for extended family or friends.

Additionally, guests can now enjoy the newly built Ocean Point Residences featuring a mix of luxury two and three-bedroom beachfront villas. Each villa in this collection has multiple outdoor terraces, a private infinity pool, fully equipped kitchens, artwork showcasing Caribbean culture and landscape by local artists, smart technology, and more.

Guests will revel in the modern meets Mediterranean-style rooms, where island vibes blend seamlessly with a luxurious escape. A new ‘Ocean Point Club House’ has been designed as an exclusive lounge for Ocean Point Residence guests with a dedicated concierge desk and private check-in area.

Ocean Point Residence

Enhanced culinary program

Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort’s enhanced culinary program, led by Culinary Director Aurelien Duarte and Executive Chef Sebastian Francis, boasts chic upgrades to design elements and refreshed menus for Papa Don’s (dinner-only Mediterranean), Jammers (all-day beachside dining), Upper Deck (dinner-only legendary steakhouse) and now ‘Masala at Embers,’ serving up authentic Indian cuisine, led by Chef Vikrham Singh, daily for dinner service.

Upscale dining at Upper Deck evokes a modern steakhouse vibe with moody accents, including a soon-to-be-unveiled wine lounge. Fire pits and sophisticated coastal furniture adorn the newly re-envisioned Jammer’s restaurant, adding luxe touches to the all-day beachside dining hot spot. Each restaurant supports Saint Lucia’s local farmers and fishermen, serving only the freshest ingredients.

The resort’s signature restaurant, Dragonfly, has undergone an extensive renovation and now serves breakfast and dinner. In addition, the new restaurant now features a rooftop bar and lounge dubbed “The Perch by Dragonfly,” featuring hand-painted murals by a local Caribbean artist, Sandy Layne, depicting the restaurant’s scenic breakwater views.

The Perch is set to be the newest hot spot in Saint Lucia, where locals and tourists alike will mingle over some of the most innovative cocktails and menu offerings like our Piri Piri King Prawns, Hot & Spicy Eggplant, and our Spices of Lucian cocktail, all while taking in sweeping views of the Caribbean Sea.

The renowned spa at Windjammer Landing has a new moniker, Serene Wellness & Spa, which compliments the wide range of alluring, balance-restoring rituals and treatments available to nurture physical and spiritual routines. Stand-out feature packages include their holistic approach to Detox and Immunity featuring steps to transition to a healthier way of living. This year the spa plans to unveil the island’s first medi-spa featuring treatments at the forefront of anti-aging and rejuvenation.

For more information and reservations, visit www.windjammer-landing.com.